Writing as Process and Rhetorical Modes of Academic Composition
In the process of becoming proficient writers, composition students need to understand
that in the process of creating a quality product, they need to dedicate effort to the
writing process. The sequencing of steps in the writing process starts with the
development of a thesis, which is usually accomplished in the brainstorming process of
prewriting. Prewriting continues with the development and an analysis of support for the
thesis. This step can be done through clustering, listing, and outlining. Organization of
the thesis and supporting materials leads to writing of the first draft. The first draft then
needs to be revised and edited in order to create an effective final draft.
Writing is a process of discovery, which involves multiple steps, many turns, and many
returns to the starting point. This process does not take place as a simple straight line, in
which the writer has a clear idea of the point he or she is trying to explain and exact
supporting evidence that can be used to clarify the point. Instead, this process often
takes many divergent turns in which the writers gets an opportunity to discover new
thoughts and ideas pertaining to the topic. In addition, the format of a zigzag rather than
a straight line explains also the process of revising and editing in which the writer
evaluates and reevaluates ideas used in the essay.
While the core of academic writing is done in the rhetorical pattern of analysis and
exposition, other organization patterns are frequently implemented in college writing
either as the main method of development or in combination with other methods.
Argument organizational pattern relates to a debatable opinion and then offers supports
in favor of it. Some argument essays discuss both sides of an issue and then give good
reasons for choosing one side over the other. Other argument essays present the
arguments to support the author’s idea and follow them with a counter-argument and its
refutation or acknowledgement.
Cause-Effect organizational pattern is used when reasons for and results of certain
actions or situations need to be evaluated. Causes relate to the reasons, while effects
relate to the results or outcomes.
Comparison/Contrast organizational pattern shows how subjects are alike and/or
different. One comparison/contrast essay can focus on only either similarities, or
differences, or a combination of both.
Description organizational pattern provides illustrative detail. It presents visual images
created with a proper choice of words.
Narration organizational pattern provides details about an action or a situation that
happened. It lists events in the order in which they happened.
It is worth mentioning that most well-written essays do not adhere exclusively to only one
pattern of organization. In order to avoid writing formulaic essays, students should use a
combination of patterns to support the dominant pattern. For instance, in an
argumentative essay, writers can employ elements of comparison-contrast, cause and
effect, as well as illustration.
Language of an Essay
The language that students use in the college courses is called American Standard
English. It has a formal diction and tone and is used by educators, as well as civic
leaders and other professionals in diverse fields.
The tone of writing relates to the distance that is established between the writers and the
reader. Tone can be formal and informal. Formal tone is used in academic and
professional writing; while, informal tone is used in casual conversations such as the
ones between relatives and friends.
Diction of writing is represented by particular words and terminology that are used in
verbal or written communication. It can provide information about a writer, speaker, or a
character type in the works of literature. Just like the tone, diction can be informal or
formal.
Example of an informal tone and diction: You need to think about how your actions affect
the environment.
Example of a formal tone and diction: It is a civil duty of all citizens to evaluate the
impact of their actions on environment.
Formal, academic writing creates a distance between the writer and the audience
through the use of third-person pronouns (he, she, it, they) and specific nouns. It
incorporates logic, evidence, and reason, which help it to provide the impressions of
objectivity that is free of personal opinion and bias. On the other hand, informal writing
uses first-person pronouns (I, we), and it allows the writers to express individual opinion
and personal preferences. The second-person pronoun (you) is used in writing to bring
the reader closer, but it is too familiar for academic writing and should be avoided if there
is any doubt about its appropriateness.
In spite of a clear distinction between formal and informal writing, some types of
academic essay allow the writer to use the first-person pronouns. For example, a short
personal story in the form of an anecdote can be used as a method of introduction, and,
in an argumentative essay, personal example can be used as one of the supporting
points. Thus, the concepts of rhetorical modes and the language of an essay are
interrelated. A writer needs to adjust the tone and diction to the rhetorical pattern of a
required assignment.
